Our History
Pandemonium Aviaries began in 1996 with the rescue of an injured dove by the side of the road. Other birds that needed help followed. Becoming a bird sanctuary was not planned. It just seemed like the right thing to do.
In 2005, we transitioned from focusing on individual birds to species survival. The catalyst was the death of a Green-naped pheasant pigeon. She died suddenly and her grieving mate was inconsolable. We tried to find a replacement, but the species had become so rare there were only 32 listed in the world wide zoo data base. Our search was ultimately successful and we emerged with a changed perspective about the importance of breeding rare birds. Although we were already one of the largest non-companion sanctuaries in the US, we realized that saving individual birds was not enough. We needed a more global view so that we could help birds in a more comprehensive, significant and far reaching manner.
In 2009, we became a 501(c)(3) non-profit. We expanded our programs, invited help from like minded people and put in place an internal structure to support ambitious goals. We analyzed the challenges facing birds, identified our core strengths, sought out advice from a multidisciplinary team of experts. One of the outcomes was ARC (Avian Recovery for Conservation), which is an innovative conservation strategy.
In addition to our expanded role in conservation, we remain committed to providing life long care for the hundreds of birds already at Pandemonium.
Pandemonium Aviaries is an all volunteer organization. We are a group of people who believe that all things are possible if you start with pure motives, navigate with an ethical internal compass and set course for a destination that benefits others.
We ask for financial help because we can’t help birds without it. It’s not comfortable to ask for support, but we are confident that we use donations wisely. As the financial charts show, our money (your money) goes to the birds.
Our Core Values
What follows is a list of some of the beliefs that are at the soul of our sanctuary, our work and our lives.
- We believe we can each make a positive impact on the collective well being of people and animals.
- We believe if we do nothing entire species of birds will be extinct in our lifetime.
- We believe we have to protect and nurture our natural environment now.
- We believe helping animals helps people and that helping people helps animals.
- We believe that everyone should support efforts to improve the conditions of all animals including humans.
- Finally, we believe in gratitude so thank you for visiting our site.
